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Gibson wants bullpen roles settled for second half

Gibson wants bullpen roles settled for second half

4/28/13: J.J. Putz strikes out Carlos Gonzalez with the tying runs on second and third to secure the D-backs' 4-2 win over the Rockies

By Steve Gilbert
/
MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- Just under three hours before his team's game with the Brewers on Friday, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson was uncertain who would serve as closer that night should a save situation arise.

When the D-backs reassemble in San Francisco to open the second half of the season next Friday, Gibson wants that to no longer be an issue.

"As we go into the second half, I'd hope that I would have at least [eighth-inning] and [ninth-inning] guys, and then you use your other guys to get there," Gibson said.

If he continues to improve, look for J.J. Putz to be the ninth-inning guy when the second half starts. Putz continues to look better as he builds arm strength again after being on the disabled list from May 8 until June 29.

"We'll just watch the way he throws when he throws, how well he bounces back," Gibson said of Putz. "We don't really want to continue go on and have one guy on one night and another guy on another night. I think in general when you have roles and everyone understands their roles that helps and lends to more consistency."